How to mount a horse head with realistic nostril placement

14 July 2024

Achieving a lifelike appearance in your equine taxidermy work requires more than just structural integrity; it demands a keen eye for detail, particularly when it comes to the delicate geometry of the snout. The nostrils are the focal point of a horse's face, serving as the primary gateway for its senses and a critical element in conveying the animal's spirit and vitality. Whether you are mounting a full head or a partial skull, the precise positioning of these openings determines the overall authenticity of the final piece, transforming a stuffed specimen into a compelling work of art that honors the majestic heritage of the horse.

Understanding the Natural Structure

Before attempting to carve or glue the nostrils onto a mount, one must first study the natural anatomy of the equine nose. Unlike many other mammals, a horse's nose is elongated and flat, with the nostril flaps (leaths) extending outward and slightly upward. The placement is not symmetrical in a simple left-to-right sense; rather, the nostrils sit at the very tips of the nose, slightly below the eye level, creating a distinct triangular profile. In realistic mounts, the angle of the nostril base should follow the natural curvature of the nose, sloping gently downward from the bridge. This slope is crucial for matching the light and shadow that would naturally fall on a living animal's face, ensuring the taxidermy does not look flat or artificial under various lighting conditions.

Carving and Shaping the Snout

The foundation of realistic nostril placement lies in the preparation of the snout itself. If you are mounting a fresh head, you will need to carefully file down the nasal bones to create the correct contour. The goal is to achieve a smooth, continuous curve that leads directly to the nostril openings. If working with a skeleton or a dried head, you must sculpt the protruding bones of the nose to match the specific breed characteristics of the horse. For instance, a draft horse will have a broader, flatter nose compared to a thoroughbred, which has a more pointed and elevated bridge. Once the general shape is established, the space for the nostrils must be carved out with precision. It is often helpful to use a template made from high-density foam or rubber that matches the desired dimensions of the nostril opening, ensuring that the cuts are clean and uniform. This step sets the stage for the subsequent attachment of the nostril flaps, ensuring they hang naturally from the frame of the nose.

Attaching the Nostril Flaps with Precision

Once the cavity for the nostrils is carved, the next step is the attachment of the leather flaps. These flaps are typically made from natural horsehide or a high-quality synthetic alternative that mimics the texture and elasticity of real tissue. When gluing these flaps, it is vital to consider the tension and the direction of the grain. The top edge of the flap should be secured to the upper rim of the nostril cavity, while the bottom edge is free to hang down naturally, allowing for a slight flutter that mimics breathing. Do not over-stiffen the glue or the leather, as this can cause the flaps to appear rigid and lifeless. A soft, flexible application allows the flaps to move slightly with the head, adding a layer of realism that static plastic flaps cannot achieve. Pay close attention to the alignment of the pores and grain direction on the leather; they should flow naturally from the rest of the snout, enhancing the seamless transition between the mounted parts.

Creating Depth and Realism with Lighting

The final touch to making the nostril placement truly realistic involves manipulating light and shadow within the nose cavity. A hollow, featureless opening looks like a hole rather than a nostril. To counteract this, you can apply a thin layer of white or cream-colored putty or filler deep within the cavity, then carefully sand it down to create a slight convex curve on the inside of the flaps. This technique simulates the fleshy tissue lining the nostril, adding depth and dimension to the area. Additionally, consider how light interacts with the curve; by slightly shading the inner corners of the nostrils, you can create the illusion of depth and volume. This subtle shading ensures that the nostrils do not disappear into the background of the head but stand out as vital, functional features of the animal's anatomy, completing the illusion of a living creature.

Final Assembly and Inspection

With the nostril structure carved, the flaps attached, and the internal shading applied, the head can be fully assembled onto the mount board or pole. During this final assembly, it is essential to step back and inspect the head from multiple angles, specifically looking at the profile and the frontal view. Check that the nostrils are aligned correctly with the eyes and the bridge of the nose, ensuring no asymmetry is visible. Rotate the head slightly to ensure the nostril flaps hang naturally from all viewing angles. If the light catches the flaps from above, they should appear soft and textured, not shiny or flat. A realistic horse head is one where the viewer feels an instinctive connection to the animal's life force, and the careful placement of these nostrils is the key to unlocking that connection. By following these steps and paying meticulous attention to the geometry and texture of the nose, you can create mounts that stand the test of time and captivate every observer.

To ensure a flawless finish before your next client appointment, adhere to these essential quality control measures:

Verify that the nostril flaps are free of air bubbles or uneven glue residue.
Confirm that the leather grain runs consistently from the nose to the flaps.
Ensure the internal shading creates a convex curve rather than a concave depression.
Check that the nostrils do not protrude beyond the natural contour of the snout.
Test the mount under direct sunlight to verify shadow realism.
Inspect the attachment points for any signs of weakness or potential breakage.
Review the overall symmetry by holding a mirror up to the side of the head.

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